Songs to Play Before a Match: Athlete-Approved Anthems and Pump-Up Tracks That Overflow with Power
At those crucial moments—like during daily practice or right before an important match—music stays by our side and gives us tremendous strength.
Many of you probably listen to your favorite songs to boost your spirits as you head into those special moments.
In this article, we’ve picked out uplifting, heart-stirring anthems that raise your motivation.
From upbeat tracks that fire up your fighting spirit, to relaxing numbers that wrap you in a sense of calm, to athletes’ personal favorites—we’ve gathered a wide variety of songs.
We hope you’ll find them helpful.
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[Songs to Listen to Before a Match] Loved by Athletes Too!? Power-Packed Anthems and Winning Tracks (131–140)
ApolloPorno Graffitti
The debut single that put Porno Graffitti’s name on the map.
When it was released in 1999, its bold theme centered on the Apollo 11 moon landing drew a great deal of attention, and since then it has remained one of the band’s signature songs, enjoying huge popularity at live shows.
The lyrics combine a critique of our modern, technology-driven society with literary elements that speak to the timeless, unchanging nature of love—lines that stick so firmly in your mind you can’t forget them even after many years.
There must be plenty of people who can instantly recall and hum the chorus of this song!
ALWAYSMitsunaga Ryota
This was Ryota Mitsunaga’s debut single, released in 2003.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Itsumo Futari de,” starring Takako Matsu.
The gentle message in the lyrics about dreams and wishes is moving enough to bring you to tears.
It’s a must-listen before a match.
Can’t Be TouchedRoy Jones Jr
If you want to boost your motivation, I recommend ‘Can’t Be Touched’! Actually, this song is performed by Roy Jones Jr., the legendary boxer who held the pound-for-pound No.
1 title for many years.
Since it’s a track by an athlete, it packs a real punch! It’s a hip-hop song, but the rap is quite melodic, so I think it’s approachable even for people who don’t usually listen to hip-hop.
AnythingAmuro Namie
Here’s the song that women’s rugby football player Ayaka Suzuki listens to before matches.
It’s a track by Namie Amuro, the singer who retired from show business in 2018 to much regret.
It’s included on her 2015 album “_genic.” The lyrics carry a powerful message: believe in your own potential! It certainly sounds like a great track to get pumped up before a game.
companion; comrade; friend; fellow; teammate; allyKetsumeishi
Ketsumeishi’s “Nakama” is their 18th single, released in 2010, a mid-tempo track that sings about human connections.
Rather than pumping you up right before a big moment, it’s a song that stays by your side throughout the journey.
The guitar in the interlude and the heartfelt lyrics deliver that signature Ketsumeishi tear-jerker vibe.
It’s a song about bonds that makes you think of the friends you’ve practiced with and the staff team working hard in support—it becomes a pillar of strength.
When you don’t want to give up, trust in “Nakama” and keep moving forward!
BeautifulSuperfly
This song is the theme for the drama “Mother Game” and is included on the fifth album, “WHITE.” The way it gradually rises from the strings intro is striking, and Ochi Shiho’s powerful, soaring vocals are truly uplifting.
In 2018, Chunichi Dragons player Shuhei Takahashi used it as his walk-up theme when coming to bat.
It’s a celebrated fan favorite that conveys a strong sense of self-affirmation and motivation.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
This is the song that women’s rugby player Chisato Yokoo listens to before matches: “Umi no Koe” (Voice of the Sea), sung by actor Kenta Kiritani, also known as Urashima Taro.
It was released as a digital single in 2015.
Yokoo says she likes the earnest, striving quality in his voice.
Many people can probably relate to that feeling.